The MHB Internship is for graduate students who seek to advance equity and inclusion and recognizes the importance of unconditional human worth, community, inclusion, learning and innovation in advancing the profession.
The Marsha Herman-Betzen (MHB) Internship was designed with access and inclusion in mind. This eight-week summer internship offers a graduate student the opportunity to network with student affairs professionals, learn the inner workings of the ACUI Central Office, obtain career development guidance, and most importantly build upon the skills they bring to the table.
The selected intern will work with remotely with the ACUI Central Office on projects and programs that help prepare them for a position in student affairs. During the eight-week period, the intern is invited to attend the IPDS: New Professionals Orientation where they will connect with and learn from early career professionals in student affairs.
2025 RECIPIENT: JAQUELINE FAJARDO, California State University–Los Angeles
Jaqueline Fajardo is a graduate student in the educational foundations master’s program, pursuing her passion for higher education. She also completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at California State University–Los Angeles. Jaqueline is a dedicated leader and advocate for student engagement, currently serving as chair for the University-Student Union’s Board of Directors. With a strong background in leadership development, she works as a student programming assistant with the Center for Student Involvement, where she facilitates workshops and events that empower students to grow both professionally and personally. Jaqueline is passionate about fostering inclusive spaces and encouraging student advocacy.
“Honestly I feel like it was great! The more conversations an intern can have with other members or connections to network with and learn from, the better. I really valued that part of my internship.”
“The most challenging aspect of this internship is being very front facing. I walked into this internship being okay doing more background work and not be recognized, but happy to recognize other and this pushed me to be in the front.”
” I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak to different professionals because everyone has a unique experience and great advice to provide to someone like me.”
About marsha herman-betzen
A visionary leader, Herman-Betzen always sees the greatness in the college union and student activities profession and has been critical to providing support to these professionals by developing the programs and services of ACUI. Herman-Betzen became the Association’s first woman executive director in August 1994, after working as the associate executive director and the coordinator of educational programs and services. During her tenure, she challenged and led the Association through a critical self-examination and reinvention process that turned a deficit of hundreds of thousands of dollars into comfortable operating reserves and more nimble governance.
Under her leadership, ACUI’s operating budget grew from $750,000 to $3.5 million. She led the way for ACUI to be a leading partner in countless initiatives in the higher education community, including the Women’s Leadership Institute, and was the first executive director invited to the White House for their Symposium on Hate Crimes. She is a friend to all she comes in contact with and has been largely responsible for the existing culture of the Association where everyone is unconditionally accepted.
